The Community Cats Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Less Price, More Purr with Rick DuCharme, Owner of RLD Consulting and Managing Partner of The Community Cat Clinic Jan 30, 2024

Show notes

Join the transformational journey with Rick DuCharme, a former heavy equipment industry professional turned no-kill movement leader, as we unpack the meaningful strides made in animal welfare. Our enlightening conversation delves into Rick's leap into the world of cats and dogs, where he has championed spay-neuter initiatives and pioneered the first return-to-field program for feral cats in Jacksonville, leading the city to a praiseworthy no-kill status. His passion for the cause is undeniable as we traverse the challenges and victories that come with reducing shelter admissions and euthanasia rates, making a lasting imprint on the lives of countless furry friends.

Discover the heartwarming inception story of the Community Cat Clinic and how it embodies Rick's commitment to providing accessible, quality veterinary care. The clinic's inception, spurred by a simple newspaper article and a subsequent tenure on the mayor's task force, showcases a successful merge of business acumen and heartfelt animal advocacy. The clinic's philosophy of incremental care offers a lifeline to owners across financial spectra, ensuring their beloved cats receive the necessary care without breaking the bank. Our chat with Rick brings to light the delicate balance the clinic maintains, offering a haven for felines and peace of mind for their human companions.

Ultimately, the importance of accessible veterinary services stands at the forefront, highlighting how the CommunityCat Clinic swiftly accommodates appointments and prepares to launch its new website. Rick's ethos of community initiative resonates as he shares how small steps can forge a significant impact, from aiding a single cat to driving large-scale change. Join this conversation and champion the cause of our feline friends – reminding everyone that every action counts towards a kinder world for cats.

In this episode, you will hear:

Rick's passion for cats
Animal control task force involvement
State of the art cat clinic
Trap recovery and cat drop-off
Benefits of traveling for veterinary care
Partnering with Community Cat Clinic

Resources from this Episode

This episode is sponsored in part by Maddie's Fund and Tomahawk Live Trap.

https://rldconsultingservices.com

https://communitycatclinic.com

…if you have questions or concerns please email support@communitycatspodcast.com.

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Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

A Special "Because We Love It" Episode! Check Out the Kindred Podcast with Kate Coffin, Jenn Asplundh, and Dr. Kristyn Vitale Jan 27, 2024

Show notes

"I feel like so much of why cat's get a bad rap is because they seem to be juxtaposed to dogs and dog behavior."

Today we wanted to share an episode of Kindred, a podcast hosted by sisters Kate Coffin and Jenn Asplundh. It explores the intricate and interdependent relationship that humans have with animals and nature. Their episodes are always intriguing and we thought you'd enjoy their show as much as we do.

In this episode, Kate and Jenn speak with Dr. Kristyn Vitale, whose work focuses on companion animal behavior, specifically cat social cognition, cat behavior, and human-cat interaction. Kristyn walks them through why cats can be misunderstood and how we can understand them better, and busting myths that have persisted for far too long. Turns out Spot and Fido aren't the only ones who can be taught how to sit, stay, and roll over!

We hope you enjoy their show and if you'd like to learn more, you can visit kindredpodcast.co and if you'd like to binge all their episodes you can find Kindred on Apple Podcasts and most other podcast platforms.

Resources for This Episode

Dr. Kristyn Vitale, Instagram @maueyes
https://maueyes.com/
Netflix's Inside the Mind of a Cat
Mentioned in the Intro: No, It's Not Actually a Murder of Crows by Nicolas Lund

Find out more info and message us at kindredpodcast.co and follow them at:

Instagram - @thekindredpod
Twitter - @the_kindred_pod
Facebook - @thekindredpod
Support Kindred on Patreon - kindredpodcast

Sharing Adoption Secrets for Hard to Adopt Cats with Halle Hamilton, Cat Adoption Manager, Austin Pets Alive Jan 23, 2024

Show notes

Every cat has its tale, and this week's chat with Halle Hamilton of Austin Pets Alive brings a new narrative to the forefront of feline rescue. As we weave through Halle's own transformation from a dancer to a pioneer in cat adoptions, we uncover the heartwarming stories of special needs kitties who have found their stride thanks to innovative strategies and heartfelt community involvement. Celebrate with us the triumphs of our cat adoption and foster programs, which see incontinent and diabetic whiskered wonders stepping into loving homes like never before. The upcoming 2024 Online Cat Conference looms on the horizon, ready to unleash a wealth of knowledge for cat devotees and professionals eager to learn and share.

As the purring crescendo of our conversation fades, we extend an invitation for you to continue the dialogue beyond the airwaves. Engage with fellow feline aficionados on social media, and if our tales of tails have touched your heart, consider leaving a review to help more cat champions tune in. Together we're not just sharing stories; we're creating a community stitched together with every successful adoption, every insightful conference, and every cat's happily-ever-after. With Halle's expertise lighting the way, join us in celebrating and contributing to the ongoing mission of cat welfare.

In this episode, you will hear:

Austin Pets Alive's innovative approaches to save the most at-risk cats from other shelters
The remarkable achievements of our cat adoption program
Adoptions through volunteer marketing
Fostering a safe and healthy environment for cats through community engagement and feedback

Resources from this Episode

This episode is sponsored in part by Maddie's Fund and Tomahawk Live Trap.

Austin Pets Alive - https://www.austinpetsalive.org/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/austinpetsalive/

Insta - https://www.instagram.com/austinpetsalive/?hl=en

Twitter - https://twitter.com/austinpetsalive

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/AUSTINPETSALIVE

…if you have questions or concerns please email support@communitycatspodcast.com.

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Episode Credits

With Enthusiasm We Work Together with Donna Brown, Founder of Garden City Community Cats Project Jan 16, 2024

Show notes

When Donna Brown first noticed the shadowy figures of cats darting through the alleys of Garden City, little did she know she'd become the champion of a thousand feline lives. This heartfelt conversation peels back the layers of Donna's transformation from an everyday citizen to the founder of the Garden City Community Cats Project, a beacon of hope in the world of TNR (trap-neuter-return).

Turning empathy into action, Donna shares her transformation from unawareness to advocacy and how she has spurred a movement that not only helped over a thousand cats, but also reflects the very heart of community engagement.

Listen in as we shed light on the nuances of feral feline life and the humans who bridge the gap between wildness and belonging. Learn how Donna and her team employ innovative strategies like transfer boards to gently guide cats to safety and health, and how they've cultivated a robust network of support that extends far beyond the expected.

Discover the importance of clear communication and resource sharing, particularly in areas where access to technology is limited. This episode is not only a tribute to the feline friends we cherish – but also to the unsung heroes who make a profound difference in their lives – and ours.

In this episode, you will hear:

Young girls' impact on cat rescue
Impact on Garden City's cat community
The importance of free roaming cats
Supporting caregivers

Resources from this Episode

This episode is sponsored in part by Maddie's Fund.

Resources and Links for Show Notes:

Garden City Community Cats Project -

https://www.gcccproject.com/

…if you have questions or concerns please email support@communitycatspodcast.com.

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Episode Credits

Eliminating Economic Euthanasia with Steven Mornelli, Waggle.org Jan 09, 2024

Show notes

Have you ever been stopped dead in your tracks by a story that not only breaks your heart but also fuels a fire within you to create change? That's exactly the experience Steven Mornelli from Waggle.org had, and it led him to tackle the gut-wrenching issue of economic euthanasia head-on. Steven unveils the narrative of his leap from the financial and data sciences sectors to the birth of a platform giving pets a fighting chance. With Waggle's unique model, your donations reach directly into the veterinary clinics, ensuring your generosity translates into life-saving treatment, not just goodwill.

Delving deeper, the dialogue pivots to the profound influence of Waggle, particularly when it comes to the cat community and the ever-essential spay and neuter initiatives. Sometimes, it's not always about big marketing budgets; sometimes, the most compelling stories are what drive change.

Steven hones in on the heart of Waggle's mission – the Forever Fund. This pulsing vein of recurring contributions fortifies the platform's capacity to offer matching grants and consistent support to those furry companions most in need. It's the power of ongoing support that amplifies our efforts, and through heartfelt tales and strategic partnerships, Waggle is painting a brighter future for pets and their humans.

It's more than just a financial assistance program; it's a testament to the unbreakable bond we share with our animal companions, especially in a post-pandemic world. As the episode wraps up, Steven's passion is palpable, leaving us with a rallying call to visit Waggle's resource center, contribute, and learn how we can all play a part in the wellness of our beloved pets.

In this episode, you will hear:

Creating Waggle.org
Waggle's impact and the Forever Fund
Impact of veterinary shortage on Waggle
Connecting vets and pet owners nonprofit
Waggle's partnership With Community Cats

Resources from this Episode

This episode is sponsored in part by Maddie's Fund.

http://waggle.org

https://www.instagram.com/waggleforpets/

https://www.facebook.com/waggleforpets/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/waggle.org

https://www.youtube.com/@waggleforpets

…if you have questions or concerns please email support@communitycatspodcast.com.

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Episode Credits

Spurring Change for Cats from the Top Down with Jonlyn Freeman, Founder of NYC Cat Rescuer Alliance and Meagan Licari, President of Puppy Kitty NY City Jan 02, 2024

Show notes

Ever wondered about the hurdles faced by animal rescuers in bustling metropolitan areas? Packed with first-hand accounts from these inspiring guests, Jonlyn Freeman and Meagan Licari, this episode takes a deep look into the complex realm of feline welfare in New York City. Amid the chaos of the pandemic, these dedicated cat-lovers remained undeterred, courageously navigating the challenges of an overwhelmed animal healthcare system, and the tragic issue of animal abandonment in lower-income neighborhoods.

Join this heartfelt discussion on the urgent need for city-funded spay-neuter programs, and the brick walls they often encounter with city officials. Listen closely, as they shed light on the questionable funding allocation of large organizations like the ASPCA, and ask the hard-hitting question: Shouldn't active solution-makers be in the driver's seat of decision making?

This episode will take you on a journey through untold stories of community collaboration, fluid communication and the potential for neighborhood clinics to help turn the tide. Yet, the battle is far from over. This episode unpacks the looming cat overpopulation crisis, the snail's pace at which city officials are recognizing it, and why private organizations need to join forces with municipal bodies to tackle it.

Hear about Jonlyn and Meagan's ongoing initiatives, including advocating for discretionary funding and exploring legislative options. And if you've ever wondered how to turn your passion for cats into action, meet the New York City Cat Alliance, an invaluable resource to get involved. So tune in, and let's change the world for our feline friends – one paw at a time!

In this episode, you will hear:

Rescuers unite for city-funded spay-neuter
Lack of animal leadership in NYC
Community involvement in animal care
The need for dedicated animal resources
Rescuers, vets, and spay/neuter system

Resources from this Episode

https://nyccatalliance.com/

https://www.instagram.com/nyccatrescueralliance/

https://www.puppykittynyc.org/

This episode is sponsored in part by Maddie's Fund and Tomahawk Live Trap.

…if you have questions or concerns please email support@communitycatspodcast.com.

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Episode Credits

It's a special episode! Part Two of The Drop Trap: A Trapper's Best Friend Presented by Neighborhood Cats Dec 26, 2023

Show notes

"Another specialized use of the drop trap is when you're trying to catch a mom and her kittens..."

This episode is sponsored in part by Maddie's Fund.

This is part two of a special audio presentation of a free webinar offered to trappers earlier in 2023. If you'd like to watch this presentation, you can hop on over to our YouTube channel to check it out. To download handouts mentioned in the show, you can visit our Community Cat Care Training and Education page to find these, and a treasure trove of other TNR and community cat care education.

Join Bryan Kortis, National Programs Director of Neighborhood Cats, as he walks you through how to use a drop trap - possibly the most helpful piece of equipment a trapper can have on hand! This section of the webinar covers more advanced techniques including building platforms to conquer uneven ground, using remote controls to trigger a drop trap, how to set up a "drop trap 360", catching many cats at the same time by training them to cluster eat, and more! Join the co-designers of the first commercially available drop trap, as they discuss how to use this invaluable tool.

To learn more about Neighborhood Cats, you may visit their website.

We also encourage you to check out Tomahawk Live Traps, which Bryan is mentions in this presentation, and sign up for a TNR Certification Workshop so you can take action to help control the cat population in 2024.

And if you're excited to start using the drop trap and would like to connect with other Community Cats Podcast listeners to get more tips and tricks, to ask about issues you might run into, and of course to post pictures of your successful trapping, you can join our Facebook group!

It's a special episode! Part One of The Drop Trap: A Trapper's Best Friend Presented by Neighborhood Cats Dec 19, 2023

Show notes

"It's great to have the cat you're after, see another cat come in, have a bite to eat, and then leave. Nothing happens. Nothing dramatic. That can help persuade them that it's just fine to go in; nothing to worry about here."

This episode is sponsored in part by Meow Cat Lounge, Doobert.com, and Maddie's Fund.

This is part one of a special audio presentation of a free webinar offered to trappers earlier in 2023. If you'd like to watch this presentation, you can hop on over to our YouTube channel to check it out. To download handouts mentioned in the show, you can visit our Community Cat Care Training and Education page to find these, and a treasure trove of other TNR and community cat care education.

Join Bryan Kortis, National Programs Director of Neighborhood Cats, as he walks you through how to use a drop trap - possibly the most helpful piece of equipment a trapper can have on hand! Trying to catch the last cat in your colony who isn't fixed? Got a wily feral who just won't go into a box trap, no matter how much you spend on roasted chicken? How about catching a litter of kittens all at once—with their mom? All these tough trapping situations and more can be solved if you know how to use a drop trap! Join the co-designers of the first commercially available drop trap, as they discuss how to use this invaluable tool. Plus tips and tricks for advanced drop trappers, too.

To learn more about Neighborhood Cats, you may visit their website.

Don't forget to subscribe so you won't miss part two next week!

It's a special episode! Mike Phillips, LVT and President of Urban Cat League, interviews Stacy LeBaron. Dec 12, 2023

Show notes

"The cats are a vehicle for us to all get our act together and take responsibility for every part of the community."

This episode is sponsored in part by Meow Cat Lounge, Doobert.com, and Maddie's Fund.

In this special episode, Mike Phillips of UrbanCatLeague.org sits down to interview Stacy and take a closer look at Stacy's work with Community Cats and her goal of showcasing positive influencers in the feline community. Stacy's diverse background, including achievements in sports and urban planning, emphasizes her creative problem-solving, influenced by her father's entrepreneurial spirit. As the founder of the Community Cats Podcast, Stacy is working to turn cat passion into action.

The conversation explores Stacy's podcast legacy and her commitment to helping organizations establish effective Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programs. They emphasize responsiveness and the podcast's role in disseminating insightful discussions. They stress the importance of responsiveness and the podcast's role in disseminating insightful discussions to a broader audience.

Mike and Stacy stress the critical need to address cat overpopulation and spaying/neutering accessibility challenges. They highlight the positive impact of TNR programs, emphasizing collaboration for effective community cat solutions. The conversation concludes by underlining the Community Cats podcast's positive influence and Stacy's pitch for addressing feral cat issues through affordable spay-neuter services and strategic community support programs.

You can learn more about Mike and Urban Cat League on their website and don't miss his phenomenal tutorial focused on socializing feral cats and kittens on the Urban Cat League YouTube channel. (We subscribe to their channel - you might want to too!)

If you enjoyed this episode, you might also enjoy Stacy's previous interview with Mike Philips on episode #71. Give it a listen!

Calming Your Anxious Cat with Joan Ranquet, Animal Communicator, Energy Healer, Author, Speaker and Educator Dec 05, 2023

Show notes

"Anybody could sit down and get quiet for a moment…then just get a sense. Like, is my household stressful? Is my cat living her best life? What have we got going on here that I could do that could make it easier for the cat?"

This episode is sponsored in part by Meow Cat Lounge, Doobert.com, and Maddie's Fund.

In this episode, Stacey chats with Joan Ronquette, a seasoned animal communicator. With over 30 years of experience, Joan emphasizes the importance of addressing animals' emotional well-being, focusing on anxiety.

Joan is an expert in using Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) tapping to alleviate animal anxiety. The conversation covers proactive anxiety management, the responsibilities of guardianship, and challenges in enriching indoor environments for cats.

Joan introduces her latest book on EFT for animals, detailing its content and its role in achieving lasting emotional release. The focus remains on fostering a deeper connection with animals and promoting their overall well-being.

Explore Joan's book, "Energy Healing for Animals," on Amazon here. Find more of her books on her website here. For details about Joan and to take her animal empath quiz, visit joanranquet.com.

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